Bersatu MPs asked to change seating, says Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: Tanjong Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi and Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abdul Fasal have requested to move their seats away from the Opposition bloc of their own accord, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

He said MPs were free to request seating changes and that there were many reasons for them to do so.

“I will not stop anyone from (asking to change) their seating positions.

“As long as they write to me, I can make a decision if it is applicable.

“There are also new MPs who have seniority within the party and I entertain (such requests). I am open about this (seat changes),” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Feb 27) in reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru).

The Perikatan Nasional whip had asked why Zulkafperi and Syed Abu Hussin, both from the coalition's component party Bersatu, had changed their seats.

The duo are among the six Bersatu MPs who pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The others four are Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).

According to the Parliament website, Zulkafperi, Syed Abu Hussin, Zahari, Mohd Azizi and Suhaili have moved their seats away from the Opposition bloc.

They are seated a row behind Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who previously retracted support for Anwar’s administration.

Only Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain is still seated with other Perikatan MPs.